VOLUME 66, ISSUE 1
THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA
MARCH 2016
CHURCHWORK
A Place to Hear God’s Word
Exploring the First Mark of Mission:
To Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
IN THIS ISSUE:
CHURCHWORK
A Place to Hear God’s Word
Churchwork (since 1950) is an official publication
of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.
In the year 2016, we will take a look at the first of
the Five Marks of Mission: To proclaim the Good
News of the Kingdom. Come learn how we in the
Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana live out this Mission of
the Church.
1623 Seventh Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 895-6634
www.edola.org
About this issue: In the service of the Dedication and
Consecration of a Church, Book of Common Prayer
page 567, the Bishop opens by telling us that people
throughout history have set apart places for the
ministry of God’s holy Word and Sacraments. Come
see in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana the sacred
places set apart to proclaim the Good News of the
Kingdom.
On the Cover
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] Chapel of the Holy
Cross at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center.
Reflections
03
04
Message from the Bishop
To God Alone be the Gory: A reflection on
proclaiming the Good News through the
loss and rebuilding of St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Church, Houma
Our Sacred Places
Profile on Deacon Philip Wild
Editor and Art Designer
Karen Mackey (kmackey@edola.org)
Copy Editors
Deacon Elaine Clements
The Rev. Canon John Kellogg
Agatha Townsend
Contributors in This Issue
The Very Rev. Craig Dalferes
Kim Jones
Bill McHugh
Karen Mackey
Marvin McLennon
Leslie Martin
Delta Moran-Colley
The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
Submissions
Churchwork provides news and information about
the diocese and wider church; and is a medium of
theological reflection. Please submit articles in
Microsoft Word; photographs should have a
resolution of 300. Letters to the editor will not be
printed. Submissions should be sent by email to
Karen Mackey at kmackey@edola.org. We reserve
the right to edit all material, and cannot guarantee
that every submission will be published.
Out and About in the Diocese
14
16
20
24
Publisher
The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
(mthompson@edola.org)
Subscriptions
Churchwork is a free quarterly magazine published
digitally by and for The Episcopal Diocese of
Louisiana. To be added to the mailing list or
update your address, please email Karen Mackey
at kmackey@edola.org.
Profiles
08
12
Our Vision
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana is one church,
faithful to our Lord Jesus, united in mission,
reaching out through service and proclamation to
all for whom Christ died. We live in joyous
expectation of God’s transforming power,
compassion, and mercy in our lives.
Clergy Transitions
Photographs
Bishop’s Journal
Calendar of Events
Churchwork is a member of the Episcopal
Communicators.
Page 2
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Not long ago I heard
one of the
presidential
candidates proclaim,
we are going to
protect Christianity.
Really? Immediately
I chuckled to myself.
Who are the
protectors? Whose
army? And from
whom are we
protecting
Christianity? Who is crying out for protection?
Oddly enough, something about the season of
Lent and the height of a presidential election
year seems similar. I hadn’t really thought
about the resemblance until Ash Wednesday
when we began to pray:
We have not loved you with our whole heart, and
mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as
ourselves. We have not forgiven others as we have been
forgiven,
We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ
served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ.
We have grieved your Holy Spirit,
We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness:
the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,
Our self-indulgent appetites, and ways, and our
exploitation of other people,
Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of
those more fortunate than ourselves,
Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts,
and our dishonesty in daily life and work,
Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure
to commend the faith that is in us,
Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have
done: for our blindness to human need and suffering,
and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,
For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts
toward our neighbors, and for our prejudice and
contempt toward those who differ from us,
For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our
lack of concern for those who come after us,
Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart
from us.
words are hard to speak because they strike
at the heart of our floundering in the promise
made at our baptismal vows, our commitment
to God and to our neighbor. So when I heard
that someone was going to save Christianity I
thought how foolish and short-sighted. Save
us from ourselves. It is we. Christians are
doing more damage to Christians than any
other tradition. We are quick to denounce
anyone who doesn’t believe like we as though
we are the truth keepers of the universe. If we
truly want to be Christians then we must first
ask for forgiveness of our sinful ways. We
must make amends or try to undo the harm
we have done. We must stop the rhetoric of
damning our neighbor, judging the person
begging on the corner, or failing to cry out in
public when injustice is committed.
Sure, Lent is about seeking forgiveness, and it
is more. It is about remembering that we are
children of God called to a life of compassion,
grace and courage. We are called to be
truthful and truthfulness begins with looking
deep within our souls to the darkness of fear.
The good news is that Lent is a good time to
begin the change we long to make. Grace is
abundant for all, even for those who want so
blindly to save us.
The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
Bishop of Louisiana
If these words seem familiar, they are from
the Book of Common Prayer and the Litany of
Penitence we said on Ash Wednesday. The
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
Page 3
REFLECTIONS
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY
by the Very Rev. Craig Dalferes
Proclaiming the Good News through the
loss and rebuilding of St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Church and School in Houma.
On November 11, 2010, St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Church in Houma burned to the
ground. Nearly five years later, on October
29, 2015, Bishop Thompson consecrated our
beautiful new church, gloriously risen from
its ashes. The church, like a crowning jewel,
was the last thing built in an integrated
complex of three brand new structures
consisting of school classrooms, our parish
hall, and the church itself.
many of our friends from across the Diocese
were able to come see what was then the
nearly completed project. Others of you
were able to come during our grand opening
festivities later, in December. On both
occasions, Karen Mackey captured in her
beautiful photographs so much of the beauty
and splendor of our new church. I’m grateful
for her beautiful photographs, and for her
help sharing our joy with our Diocesan
family. You have all been so very generous
and supportive; first, during our loss and
now--years later--in our great joy and
celebration.
St. Matthew’s was honored to host the
ECW’s Annual convention in May of 2015, at
which point the church was nearing
completion. We were so delighted that so
I’ve been asked to share a few thoughts
about our experience. This issue of
Churchwork is particularly focused on our
church buildings, and upon a consideration
Page 4
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
REFLECTIONS
of how our churches relate to our mission to
“Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.”
We at St. Matthew’s are in the unique
position of having been about the business
of proclaiming the Good News within a
beautiful old church building, then for a few
years with no building at all, and now with a
brand new church that still has its new
church smell. So I welcome the opportunity
to share with you a few things we’ve learned
along the way.
For some reason I remember so vividly a
question a priest asked me years ago as I
was being interviewed by the Commission on
Ministry. I was asked to describe how I
“pictured” myself as a parish priest, should I
be ordained as such. So I said something
about seeing myself serving in a small town,
maybe, with a big white church, and maybe
some rolling hills thrown in. The priest
scoffed. And then he said, “What if the
reality is your church is a trailer somewhere
in the inner city?” I assured him I’d serve
there just as faithfully! In retrospect, I think
he was trying to impress upon me the
distinction between “church” as we might
see it in our mind’s eye—as some idealized,
maybe overly sentimental image---and
“church” as Christ’s gathered people,
proclaiming the Good News to all sorts and
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
Page 5
REFLECTIONS
conditions of people, in all sorts and
conditions of places.
Our experience at St. Matthew’s these past
few years has led me to a deeper sense of
the ambiguity that lies at the root of this
whole question of church buildings. A
beautiful church is a very good thing, and
can help us point to Christ and proclaim the
Good News. But a beautiful church can also
be a dangerous thing. This shouldn’t surprise
us too much because it’s true of all very
good and beautiful things, which if not kept
in right perspective, can so easily lead us
into error. Years ago when I was newly
ordained a friend gave me a copy of a book
called, The Spire, written by William Golding.
Page 6
It tells the story of a cathedral dean who set
out to build a bigger, better, taller cathedral
spire. He believed, at first, that he was doing
so in order to glorify God. He keeps telling
himself and others that very thing, but in the
end, when it all literally comes crashing
down, it becomes apparent that the spire
had become a monument to his own ego.
The moral is that all monuments to ego
crumble in the end! So, when I talk to
people about our new church, I usually
emphasize that we’re all trying real hard not
to be too proud of it! And that’s the
truth….to God alone be the glory.
So what are some of the things we have
learned along the way by having, then
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
REFLECTIONS
losing, then gaining once again a
magnificent church? The first lesson came as
the ashes of the fire were still smoldering.
The first thing we all learned is that we are
not alone. The fire was so sudden and so
violent; the destruction was total. We found
ourselves held up (almost literally at times)
by our wider church family, our wider
community, and by countless prayers and
words of consolation. The experience of
being picked up and carried awhile by others
when you’ve been knocked flat on your back
is unlike any other. It was such an
experience of the grace of God coming to us
through our brothers and sisters in Christ. I
will always be grateful for that experience
and for the way it deepened my sense of
God’s grace-and provision in times of loss
and sadness.
After a few months of working through the
crisis, we began to experience more deeply
the true nature of church. We were all very
attached to the church that burned, but we
began to realize that St. Matthew’s isn’t the
church building, but rather the people with
whom we worship and pray each Sunday.
This sounds like a stale cliché or a pious
platitude, but for us it became a new way of
being church. A few months ago at a
Diocesan workshop, our Senior Warden put
it so well. He was describing what the past
four years or so has been like: “We’ve
become the best church ever since we lost
our church. And I worry that when we get
our new church, we’ll go back to being like
the old church.”
never been formed as the two churches
within the church became one. We have
been deeply enriched by this. In fact, we’ve
chosen to continue to worship together at a
single service, unless or until we outgrow the
capacity of the new building. I’m absolutely
convinced that what we give up in terms of
personal preference and convenience, we
gain tenfold by being together in a more
diverse, interdependent congregation.
The experience of building our beautiful new
church has been an awesome one, and in
many ways so very formative. There is much
I used to take for granted but never will
again! My hope and aim now is that we will
do everything we can to wear it out: To open
the doors wide, to reach out to people in
need of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and
to daily touch and enrich the lives of our Day
School students. The building and everything
in it is for that sole purpose.
[Photographs by Karen Mackey] Top of page 4: Bishop
Thompson blesses the altar during the Service of
Consecration of a Church on October 29; Page 5:
scenes from the December 13 grand opening
celebration; Bottom of page 6: Bishop Thompson with
Fr. Dalferes and acolytes bless the baptismal font
during the service on October 29.
Another important reason for this shift in
focus was that we began worshipping all
together at a single Sunday service. This
built relationships that might otherwise have
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
Since 2004, the Very Rev. Craig
Dalferes has served as rector of
St. Matthew’s, Houma.
St. Matthew’s was chartered on
May 15, 1855 and has faithfully
proclaimed the Good News to the
people in the city of Houma and
across Terrebonne Parish ever
since.
Page 7
PROFILES
A Place Set Apart for the Ministry of His Holy Word
It is in these chapels and church buildings that we in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana come
to hear God’s holy Word, to ask for God’ forgiveness, praise His name, and to be nourished by
Jesus’ Body and Blood. We come to be part of a community, a family, that gives us courage to
go out into the world and share the Good News of the Kingdom.
All Saints
Ponchatoula
All Saints’
River Ridge
All Souls
New Orleans
Chapel of the Good Shepherd at
Episcopal High of Baton Rouge
Chapel of the Holy Comforter
New Orleans
Chapel of the Holy Cross at the
Solomon Center
Chapel of the Holy Spirit
New Orleans
Chapel at St. Martin’s School
Metairie
Christ Church Cathedral
New Orleans
Christ Church
Covington
Old Christ Church Chapel
Covington
Christ Church
Napoleonville
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CHURCHWORK
March 2016
PROFILES
Christ Church
Slidell
Church of the Annunciation
New Orleans
Church of the Holy Communion
Plaquemines
Church of the Incarnation
Amite
Church of the Nativity
Rosedale
Grace Church
St. Francisville
Grace Memorial
Hammond
Mount Olivet
New Orleans
St. Alban’s Chapel
Baton Rouge
St. Andrew’s
Clinton
St. Andrew’s
New Orleans
St. Andrew’s
Paradis
St. Andrew’s
Theriot
St. Anna’s
New Orleans
St. Augustine’s
Baton Rouge
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
Page 9
PROFILES
St. Augustine’s
Metairie
St. Francis
Denham Springs
St. George’s
New Orleans
St. James
Baton Rouge
St. John’s
Kenner
St. John’s
Laurel Hill
St. John’s
Thibodaux
St. Luke’s
Baton Rouge
St. Luke’s
New Orleans
St. Margaret’s
Baton Rouge
St. Mark’s
Harvey
St. Martin’s
Metairie
St. Mary’s
Franklin
St. Mary’s
Morganza
St. Matthew’s
Bogalusa
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CHURCHWORK
March 2016
PROFILES
St. Matthew’s
Houma
St. Michael & All Angels
Baton Rouge
St. Michael’s
Mandeville
St. Patrick’s
Zachary
St. Paul’s
New Orleans
St. Paul’s / Holy Trinity
New Roads
St. Philip’s
New Orleans
St. Stephen’s
Innis
St. Timothy’s
LaPlace
Trinity
Baton Rouge
Trinity
Morgan City
Trinity
New Orleans
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
Page 11
PROFILES
Deacon Philip Wild: A Profile of Our Diocesan Safety Manager
by Karen P. Mackey
Deacon Philip Wild’s ministry is like no other
in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. As
diocesan Safety Manager, for the Church
Insurance Agency Corporation Episcopal
Safety Program, his job is to help our
churches provide a safe physical space for
their parishioners and visitors. As a deacon
he can’t help but take his love for God, his
love for the Church, and his love for people
into this role. “A deacon’s role is to bring
the needs of the world to the Church,” Wild
said. “As a safety manager I feel I am
helping our churches meet the needs of the
world by creating a safe place.”
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] Deacon Philip
Wild, III was ordained in 2005. He has served as
the Diocesan Safety Manager since 2012.
More information on the Episcopal
Safety Program:
www.cpg.org/administrators/
insurance/property-and-casualty/riskmanagement/
Page 12
Over the last three years Wild has visited all
of the churches insured by Church Insurance
Agency Corporation. He is now starting
round two. This is a free program offered to
each church by Church Insurance. On his
visits he will do a walkthrough with a
checklist surveying things like general safety
risks, physical inspection of the property,
and crisis and disaster management plans.
“Our buildings offer an opportunity for us to
meet, get together and do things,” Wild said.
”If we could stop someone from breaking a
leg because of something that has gone
totally unnoticed, isn’t that stewardship? It is
not about your insurance rates. It is about
us, the community.”
The completed survey will go to Church
Insurance where they will prepare a report of
suggested improvements, if any. The visits
provide Wild the opportunity to talk to the
priests and wardens throughout the diocese.
“It is such a pleasure to meet with these
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
PROFILES
energetic priests and others,” he said. “I have
been very welcomed. Some use it as an
opportunity to challenge me to find
something that needs improvement so they
can create the best environment they can for
the church.”
Resources for More Information
Wild’s love for the older church buildings and
congregations was apparent. He took a
moment to reflect on them saying, “To think
of all the prayers offered through these
places. They were the foundation. They
played an important role in our diocese
throughout time. We should all work to keep
our older churches safe and attractive to
visitors.”
www.cpg.org/administrators/insurance/
property-and-casualty/risk-management/
risk-management-materials/
Wild offered these top tips for reducing risk in
church buildings and property:
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Create a video of the church property and
contents. This should be updated yearly.
Keep a copy offsite.
Create a disaster plan and crisis /
relocation plan. Update yearly.
Cut tree limbs and shrubbery away from
roofs and buildings.
Repair uneven pavement and walkways.
Have adequate lighting and signage.
Install floor mats at the building entry.
points and look for other obvious slip and
fall areas in the building.
Have a first aid kit readily available. It
does not need to be an expensive one but
does need to contain basic supplies.
Install fire extinguishers and smoke
detectors throughout the building.
Repair loose handrails.
Keep on top of general maintenance
issues.
Keep employees and volunteers up-todate on Safeguarding training.
Risk Management Material
Includes links to a free e-book, brochures,
and guidelines.
Safeguarding God’s Children
Resources for training to protect children
and adults from sexual misconduct.
www.cpg.org/administrators/insurance/
property-and-casualty/risk-management/
safeguarding/
Or, contact the Rev. Canon John Kellogg
for more information about Safeguarding
God’s Children in the Diocese of Louisiana
at (504) 895-6634 or jkellogg@edola.org.
Vestry Papers: Building & Grounds
from Episcopal Vital Practices
www.ecfvp.org/vestrypapers/topics/
buildings-and-grounds
Disaster Preparedness and
Response
Resources from Episcopal Relief and
Development to help you, your family,
your church and your community to
prepare for and respond to disasters that
may occur.
www.episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/usdisaster-program/us-disaster-programpreparedness-resources
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
Page 13
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
The Clericus (March 15, 2015—February 15, 2016)
New clergy of the diocese
The Rev. William Miller was
installed rector of Christ
Church, Covington, on August
23, 2015. His first Sunday at
the church was on June 7,
2015.
The Rev. Ashley Freeman
began serving as curate at
Trinity, Baton Rouge. He was
ordained to the Sacred Order
of Priests on July 16, 2015 at
Trinity.
The Rev. Kimberly Knight
began serving as chaplain at
Christ Episcopal School,
Covington, in August.
The Rev. Morgan MacIntire
began serving as associate
rector at Christ Church,
Covington, on August 30,
2015.
Transitions in the diocese
The Rev. Kit Sharp McLean
began serving as associate
rector at Trinity, New
Orleans, on March 16, 2015.
Pastor Robin McCulloughBade resigned from St.
Augustine’s, Baton Rouge, on
April 26, 2015.
The Rev. H. Peter Kang began
serving as the associate
Page 14
rector at Grace Church, St.
Francisville, on May 3, 2015.
Deacon Charmaine Kathmann
was appointed deacon at St.
Mark’s, Harvey, on May 17,
2015. As of January 9 she is
no longer serving as deacon
at St. Mark’s.
Deacon Daniel “Mark” Hudson
was appointed deacon at St.
John’s, Kenner, on May 17,
2015.
Deacon Alyce Jefferson
resigned as Director of
Children’s Ministry at Trinity,
New Orleans, on May 24,
2015, but continues as
deacon of the church.
The Very Rev. Richard
Easterling was appointed
dean of the Uptown Deanery.
The Rev. Michael Kuhn was
appointed the assistant head
of school at St. Martin’s
Episcopal School. He is also
priest associate at St.
Augustine’s, Metairie.
The Rev. Ken Ritter began
serving as priest-in-charge at
St. Stephen’s, Innis, on June
1, 2015. On February 8, he
accepted a call as interim
rector at Grace Episcopal
Church, Chattanooga,
Tennessee.
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
The Rev. Dennis Ryan began
serving as priest-in-charge at
St. Michael’s, Mandeville, on
June 1, 2015.
The Rev. Don Owens retired
from St. Timothy’s, LaPlace,
on June 21, 2015.
The Rev. Margaret Austin
began serving as priest-incharge at St. Timothy's,
LaPlace, on June 28, 2015.
The Rev. Canon Jervis Burns
resigned from serving as
supply priest at St.
Matthew's, Bogalusa.
The Rev. LeBaron Taylor
began serving as supply
priest at St. Matthew’s,
Bogalusa, while continuing to
service as supply priest at
Church of the Incarnation,
Amite.
The Rev. Nelson Tennison
began serving as priest-incharge at All Saints,
Ponchatoula, on August 2,
2015.
The Rev. Walter Baer retired
and moved to Vienna,
Austria. He was serving as
supply priest at St. Michael’s,
Mandeville.
Deacon Jay Albert was
assigned to Trinity Church,
New Orleans, on August 16,
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
2015. He continues his
ministry as the Province IV
HIV/AIDS Ministry
representative for the
diocese.
The Very Rev. Dr. Jean
Meade, rector of Mount Olivet
Episcopal Church, New
Orleans, retired on November
22, 2015.
The Rev. Stephen Crawford
was installed rector of St.
Mary’s, Franklin, on
September 14, 2015. His first
Sunday at the church was
July 1, 2015.
The Very Rev. William “Bill”
Terry was appointed dean of
the Downtown Deanery.
The Rev. Canon Chad Jones
began serving as priest-incharge of St. Augustine’s,
Baton Rouge, on September
27, 2015. He continues as
rector of St. Patrick’s,
Zachary. This partnership is a
pilot program between St.
Patrick’s and St. Augustine’s.
On January 24 he served his
last service at the two
churches to accept a call to
serve as priest-in-charge at
Church of the Resurrection
and associate rector at St.
George’s in Nashville,
Tennessee, effective February
8, 2016.
Linda Armstrong on October
4, 2015, renounced her
Ordination to Ministry. She
was deacon at St. Alban’s
Chapel, Baton Rouge.
Deacon Kathy Comer retired
on November 1, 2015. She
was deacon at Chapel of the
Holy Comforter, New Orleans.
The Rev. John Sloan Miller
resigned as priest-in-charge
of St. Francis Episcopal
Church, Denham Springs, on
November 29, 2015.
Deacon Suzie Johnston
moved out of the diocese to
Nashville, Tennessee. She
was deacon at Grace Church,
St. Francisville
The Rev. James Morrison was
installed rector of St.
Andrew’s, New Orleans, on
December 6, 2015.
The Rev. Edward Thompson
began serving full time as
vicar at All Souls, New
Orleans. He was part time
priest-in-charge at St. Luke’s,
New Orleans, and part time at
All Souls.
The Rev. Don Brown began
serving as interim rector at
St. Patrick’s, Zachary, and
priest-in-charge of St.
Augustine’s, Baton Rouge. He
is no longer serving as
supply priest at St. Andrew’s,
Clinton.
Retired clergy moving into
the diocese
The Rev. Seamus Doyle has
moved into the Diocese of
Louisiana from Arkansas. He
is serving as a supply priest
The Rev. David McDowellFleming moved into the
diocese from Central Gulf
Coast and is now licensed to
serve at St. Anna’s Episcopal
Church, New Orleans.
Deaths
The Very Reverend Richard
W. "Dick" Rowland, tenth
Dean and Dean Emeritus of
Christ Church Cathedral died
July 18, 2015 in Covington.
Archdeacon Priscilla Maumus
retired as deacon at Christ
Church Cathedral, effective
January 24, 2015. She
continues as archdeacon of
the diocese with her office
now located in the Noland
Center.
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
Page 15
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
Jazz in January at Christ Church, Covington
[Photographs by Bill McHugh] Christ Church, Covington, reported in their February 4 edition
of Illuminare that the rafters were shaking during the first annual Jazz in January weekend. Featured
artists were Greta Matassa, Ellis Marsalis, Matt Lemmler and the New Orleans Jazz Revival Band (with
Jason Marsalis, Clipper Anderson, and Rex Gregory), and the Gospel Divas (with Barbara Johnson Tucker,
Joan Hubert and April Hubert). The weekend of jazz concerts ended with two jazz worship services on
Sunday morning. The Jazz in January concert provides a way to connect church members with the wider
community through music.
Senior High Rally (left)
[Photograph by Delta Moran-Colley] Senior High Rally was held January 22-23 at the Solomon Episcopal
Conference Center with over 40 youth and adults in attendance. The year’s theme was “Go!” based off
Matthew 28:19-20. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Sprit.”
Solomon Center Youth Work Day (right)
[Photograph by Marvin McLennon] The youth of the diocese joined together at the Solomon Episcopal
Conference Center on Saturday, February 13 for a day of sprucing up the gardens and other work around
the conference center.
Page 16
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
Saying Goodbye to the Rev. Canon Chad Jones
[Photographs by Karen Mackey] On January 24 the diocese, especially the people of St. Patrick's, Zachary,
and St. Augustine's, Baton Rouge, said goodbye to Canon Chad Jones as he celebrated his last Sunday at
St. Patrick's. Canon Jones accepted a call as priest-in-charge at Church of the Resurrection and associate
rector at St. George’s in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ashes to Go (left)
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] The Rev. Canon Steven Roberts administers ashes to the Rev. Travers
Koerner outside Christ Church Cathedral on Ash Wednesday. The cathedral was one of five congregations
to offer “Ashes to Go.” The other congregations were All Souls, Chapel of the Holy Spirit, St. Mark’s, and
Christ Church in Slidell.
Keeping a Lenten Vigil (right)
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] Tom, Terry, Mary Lee, Diane, and Chloe the dog greet those passing by St.
Andrew’s, New Orleans. Parishioners of St. Andrew’s take turns keeping vigil outside the church each
evening during the season of Lent offering prayers, a friendly conversation, and S’mores.
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March 2016
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OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
Mardi Gras Spirits in New Orleans (left)
[Photographs by Karen Mackey and Leslie Martin] St. George’s, New Orleans, continued the decades long
fundraiser during the week before Mardi Gras. Parishioners sold delicious food and drinks and offered free
bathrooms to parade goers. Every year people come from all over the city (sometimes world) to take part
in this annual tradition.
Parochial Report Time (right)
[Photoraph by Karen Mackey] Over the past few months, parish administrators, clergy, and vestries all
across the diocese have been crunching numbers and filling out the required Parochial Report and Annual
Report forms. The Parochial Report provides vital information on the life of the Church to the bishop and
to General Convention. Reports were due March 1.
Bishop Nicholas Knisley Lectures on Science and Religion at St. Paul’s (left)
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisley, Bishop of Rhode Island, visited the diocese
to teach a class at St. Paul’s, New Orleans, on Science and Religion. The lecture was presented as part of
both the Diocese of Louisiana Liturgy & Music Commission's lecture series and the St. Paul's Wednesday
night "Service, Supper, & Substance" program. Bishop Knisely was sponsored by Dr. Caroline Carson as
part of the NASA Solar System Ambassador program. Dr. Carson is the music director at St. Paul’s.
Discussing HIV/AIDS (right)
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] Pictured: The Rev. William Barnwell, Deacon Jay Albert, Rev. Gregory
Manning, Dr. Kevin Stephens, and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Webster. Deacon Jay Albert of Trinity Church, New
Orleans, along with the Rev'd Gregory Manning of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, New Orleans, attended the
Justice and Beyond Coalition Meeting on February 15 to lead a forum on why and how faith communities
and other organizations should be on the forefront of the discussion on HIV-AIDS.
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OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
Stewardship Forum
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop of Olympia, was the keynote speaker of
the Stewardship Forum on February 20 at St. Andrew’s, New Orleans. The Rev. Bill Miller and Maria Elliot
made presentations during the morning session as well. The breakout sessions included presentations
such as, “Ten Steps to a Successful Campaign” by Maria Elliot, “How to Shepherd Institutional
Stewardship” by Bishop Rickel, “Working Towards the Tithe” by the Rev. Ralph Howe, and “Stewardship
Resources” by Debbie Hudson. The forum concluded with the entire slate of presenters taking part in a
panel discussion. There were 116 people from 26 congregations in attendance.
The Community Mission Appeal - or CMA - is the collection plate that is dedicated
to taking our diocese's mission beyond the physical walls of our churches. Through
CMA, we provide donations to our parishes so that they can grow their
ministries. One hundred percent of the gifts received through CMA will go directly
to churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana to support the development and
continuing strength of mission work. More information: www.edola.org/cma.
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
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OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
Bishop’s Journal: January 1, 2016—February 23, 2016
January 1-4: Offices are closed for Holidays.
January 6: Early morning m eeting w ith a
group of parishioners then spent time on the
January 5: W e had our first staff meeting of
phone. Lunch with Maggie Dennis; her son was a
the New Year. In the morning I met with Jerry
delight. I spent another night in Baton Rouge.
Henry, our consultant, helping us raise funds for
the Canal Street property. Drove to Baton Rouge to
January 7: I got up early and drove to SECC
have lunch with a senior warden and then on to
and met with Frank Hall. Following our meeting I
Angola where I confirmed eleven inmates. I
jumped back in the car and had lunch with the
continue to be energized by the spirit these men
clergy of Christ Church, Covington. Back in the car
have and also give thanks for our parishioners who
and arrived at the office at 2:00. I had meetings
travel to the prison weekly to minister. I spent the
with Chris Speed regarding finances and with Karen
night in Baton Rouge.
Mackey, our communications director. I returned
several phone calls then went home to pick up
Rebecca for a retired clergy meeting. Unfortunately
she did not get home from work until late and we
were unable to attend the dinner.
January 8-9: Up early to study and then drove
to SECC for a Commission on Ministry Retreat for
those who are in discernment for ministry and
those who are already in the process or in
seminary. It was a great retreat and I left tired but
excited about the quality of individuals who want to
serve God and God’s church.
January 10: Rebecca and I made our
visitation at St. George’s where I confirmed and
received. It was a great morning and for the first
time I preached from the newly restored pulpit.
Afterwards we had a very nice reception for the
newly confirmed.
January 11: Day off. W atched the N ational
College Championship and was glad an SEC team
won.
January 12: W eekly staff meeting and then
returned phone calls and did some calendaring with
[Photograph by Karen Mackey] Bishop Thompson
delivering the sermon during the noon Ash Wednesday
Service at Christ Church Cathedral.
Page 20
Agatha. Drove to All Saints and met with Deacon
Debbie Scalia and Jay Angerer. They introduced me
to another restaurant, the Oak Oven. From there I
CHURCHWORK
March 2016
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
drove to Baton Rouge where I met with Fr. Jerry
afternoon for catch up work and then had dinner
Phillips for his annual consultation. I spent the
with our speaker for the clergy gathering tomorrow
night in Baton Rouge.
in Baton Rouge.
January 13: Up early and then a morning visit
January 20: Drove to Baton Rouge for a great
with Hugh McIntosh. I have been meeting with Dr.
turnout of our clergy to hear Fr. Buddy Stallings
McIntosh on a monthly basis to learn more about
talk about clergy health. After the meeting I asked
Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge. I continue to
the Deans of our convocations to stay for a short
be impressed with the quality of faculty, leadership
meeting in which I asked for their opinions on a
and students. Today I met with the students in the
couple of items. Around two I left for home.
Honors program. I was spellbound by the poise and
intellect of these students. I haven’t stopped
talking about my experience. I had lunch with the
clergy of St. Luke’s and then returned home and
ran by the office.
January 21: M orning catch up w ith Agatha
and then UBE update. UBE’s national convention
will be held in New Orleans this summer and there
is much to do to prepare for this gathering. Later
on Canon Manning and I met to talk about the
January 14: I drove to J ackson, M S to get
churches in transition. We have a good number of
ready for a party we hosted for our son Morris III
churches that are in transition. In the afternoon the
in honor of his ordination to the priesthood.
Diocesan Trustees met with our investment teams.
January 15: Dusting, cleaning and smoking
January 22: W orked on sermon in the
two briskets for tonight’s party.
morning and then later got my haircut. It was a bit
January 16: I had the great honor, at the
too long or so Agatha said.
invitation from Mississippi’s Bishop Brian Seage, to
January 23: The Executive Board met. W e
ordain our son to the Sacred Order of Priests. It
heard good reports and hired a consultant to help
was a powerful service. After the service I returned
raise funds for the Canal Street property.
to New Orleans while Rebecca stayed to wrap up
things.
January 24: I visited Church of the
Annunciation where I received one person. The
January 17: I traveled to Bayou Dularge for
service was followed by a very nice reception.
my visitation and it was a great day. I confirmed
Someone made the best potato salad I’ve ever
10. Afterwards Dita Dehart and others took me out
experienced. Following the visit Rebecca and I
to lunch in Houma.
drove to Touro Hospital to visit Harriet Murrell and
January 18: Lunch w ith a priest and the rest
of the day off.
Mother Minka Sprague.
January 25: Day off until the evening w hen I
January 19: Staff meeting follow ed by a
met with St. John’s vestry and other parishioners.
session where Canon Manning and I caught up and
January 26: Staff meeting and then I drove to
prepared for the upcoming executive board
Hammond to have lunch with some of our retired
meeting. I had a little time to prepare for the noon
clergy and spouses. Church Pension Group came to
Eucharist that I lead on a monthly basis in the
explain some of their new products. Afterwards I
chapel of the cathedral. I was in the office in the
drove to SECC for the beginning of the clergy silent
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March 2016
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OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
retreat where John Pitzer was our leader.
board meeting at St. James Place. That evening I
confirmed 11 people at St. James Church then
January 27: I had to leave the retreat and
drove home in time to get caught in parade traffic.
meet with the vestry of St. Margaret’s in Baton
Rouge. I drove back to New Orleans rather than
February 4: Because the parades are later in
return to the silent retreat. I returned late and fell
the afternoon we flooded my schedule with
into bed.
morning meetings hoping to beat the afternoon
crowd. It worked. By 3:00 p.m. the offices were
January 28: Had a free morning so Agatha
closed so everyone could get home.
and I did some catch up work. In the afternoon
Canon Manning and I drove to Baton Rouge and
February 5: I w as a w itness in a w edding and
met with the vestry of St. James. We returned to
spent the rest of the day reading.
New Orleans late that evening.
February 6: Rebecca and I drove to Sew anee,
January 29: I w orked from home on my
TN for the University of the South Board of Regents
sermon and then went into the office for a meeting.
meeting. It was a beautiful day and I believe this is
the longest we have been together in quite some
January 30: No meetings but there w ere
time. It was nice talking about us.
parades in my front yard!
February 7-8: M y meetings w ere full of new
January 31: Up early and drove to Grace
information and the days were long but the work
Memorial, Hammond. Had a wonderful breakfast
was stimulating. On the last day it snowed three
and spoke about the life in the diocese. We
inches. It was a nice change for us. We hadn’t seen
confirmed two in the service and then drove back
to New Orleans and wiggled through the parades to
our house.
snow since we left Lexington. We crept down the
mountain and drove back to New Orleans arriving
well after all the carnival crowds had gone home.
February 1: Up early to fly to Austin for a
seminary visit and to see how John Pitzer is doing
in his Anglican Studies. We got there in time for
the community Eucharist and then lunch with some
students. Later Canon Manning and I met with the
Dean, followed by students that may have an
February 10: Ash W ednesday. I preached and
celebrated the noon service at the Cathedral. Later
that afternoon I left for St. Francis, Denham
Springs, to preach and celebrate their service.
Instead of staying over in Baton Rouge I drove
back to New Orleans. It was a good Ash
interest in coming to Louisiana. The day was long
and hard but we ended up at a very nice restaurant
and had a wonderful conversation with John.
Wednesday.
February 11: I spent time catching up and
cleaning the house.
February 2: Up at 4:00 a.m. because our
return flight to New Orleans left at 6:30 a.m.
February 12: M uch of the morning w as spent
on sermon prep and other work.
February 3: Early meeting w ith Chris Speed
followed by a meeting with Jerry Henry and Canon
February 13: I left early for a 9:00 a.m.
Manning to look over the Canal Street property.
meeting with Frank Hall and then stayed for the
After the meeting I drove to Baton Rouge for a
SECC board meeting. I returned quickly and met
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March 2016
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE DIOCESE
with St. John’s vestry members.
ended by having dinner with Bishop Greg Rickel
February 14: Rebecca and I traveled to St.
Timothy’s church in LaPlace for my visitation.
and his wife Marti along with Rebecca, Canon
Kellogg and his wife Tait.
Mother Margaret Austin is the priest in charge and
February 20: The Diocese held another
we had a delightful brunch following the service.
conference on the topic of stewardship led by
Since their service began at 9:00 am we arrived
Bishop Rickel. We had a large turnout, which tells
home early enough for a Valentine’s Day walk.
me our churches want to live more fully into being
February 15: I took the day off to do some
catching up on chores.
good stewards. Everyone agreed that Canon
Kellogg did an outstanding job putting on this
conference.
February 16: The day began w ith some
calendaring with Agatha followed by our weekly
staff meeting. Later in the morning I had a
meeting with a deacon recently moved to New
Orleans from another diocese. I celebrated the
noon service at the Cathedral and then had a
lengthy meeting with one of our vice-chancellors.
The rest of the day was spent returning phone calls
and making arrangements for some activities
coming our way.
February 21: I drove to the Church of the
Incarnation in Amite for my Sunday visitation.
Incarnation is a beautiful church and the
congregation is so appreciative. They treated me to
a very nice luncheon at the church. That evening
Rebecca and I had dinner in our home with Fr. A.J.
Heine and his fiancée Shannon Payne. This was a
very nice way to end the day.
February 22: I took the morning off to run
February 17: Spent time returning emails,
phone calls and planning. Late morning I drove to
the Conference Center for a meeting.
errands. I had one meeting in the afternoon and
then home to exercise.
February 23: The day began w ith an early
February 18: M et w ith M r. Lloyd Lazard and
three others who are on a mission to create a
continual history called the Antelope Slave Ship
Project. I’ve met several other times with Mr.
Lazard and each time I’m more energized by his
morning staff meeting followed by a meeting with
both Canons Kellogg and Manning. Later in the
morning I met with one of my priests regarding
resigning/retiring matters. We closed the office due
to inclement weather. I worked at home.
presence. This is a project I want to be involved in.
I had lunch with Canon John Kellogg and discussed
the upcoming weekend followed by a meeting with
Fr. David McDowell-Fleming. The day ended with a
wonderful dinner with Bishop Knisely from Rhode
Island. Bishop Knisely was invited by Dr. Caroline
Carson to speak at UNO regarding space
exploration and theology.
February 19: I w orked from home on my
sermon and caught up on other writings. The day
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March 2016
Page 23
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Ordination of Rodney Kennedy to the Sacred Order of Deacons
at St. James, Baton Rouge
MARCH 4-6
Happening #76 at Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
MARCH 6 at 10:00 a.m.
Bishop’s visitation to St. Matthew’s, Bogalusa
MARCH 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Racial Reconciliation Commission meeting & tour of Whitney
Plantation (More information: www.edola.org/racial-
APRIL 15-17
Jr. High Rally at Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
(Registration available soon at www.solomoncenter.org/Eventsand-Registrations)
APRIL 17 at 10:15 a.m.
Bishop’s Visitation to St. Paul’s, New Orleans
APRIL 22-23
ECW Annual Gathering at St. James, Baton Rouge (More
information: http://www.edola.org/ecw/annual-gathering)
APRIL 23 at 4:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s, Morganza, 100th Anniversary Celebration
APRIL 24 at 11:00 AM
reconciliation-events)
Bishop’s visitation to St. Luke’s, Baton Rouge
MARCH 20 Palm Sunday
APRIL 24 at 5:00 PM
MARCH 20 at 10:30 a.m.
Bishop’s visitation to St. James, Baton Rouge
Bishop’s visitation to St. Francis, Denham Springs
MARCH 21 at 11:00 a.m.
MAY 1 at 10:30 a.m.
Chrism Mass at Christ Church Cathedral
Bishop’s visitation to St. Philip’s, New Orleans
MARCH 25 - 28
MAY 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Diocesan office closed in observance of Easter
Bishop’s visitation to Trinity, New Orleans
MARCH 26 at 7:00 p.m.
MAY 13-14
Bishop’s visitation to St. Matthew’s, Houma, for Easter Vigil
Community of Deacons at Solomon Episcopal Conference
Center (Registration available soon at www.solomoncenter.org/
Service
MARCH 27 Easter Sunday
MARCH 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Bishop’s visitation to Christ Church Cathedral
Events-and-Registrations)
MAY 15 Pentecost Sunday
MAY 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Bishop’s visitation to St. Matthew’s, Houma
APRIL 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Bishop’s visitation to St. Mary’s, Franklin
APRIL 10 at 10:00 a.m.
MAY 22 at 10:00 a.m.
Bishop’s visitation to St. Martin’s, Metairie
MAY 30
Diocesan office closed for the Memorial Day Holiday
Bishop’s visitation to St. Andrew’s, Paradis
[Photograph by Kim Jones] The sanctuary of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Zachary
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